Buying an engagement ring

Arthien

I've recommended 77Diamonds before now, which my husband-to-be saw had good reviews on this site. They allow you to pick the exact stone you want, and then the type of ring you want, and put the two together. They also have a store in London, where he went to see the stone for himself before making his final purchase on their website. He has nothing but praise for them, for being a quick and easy to use service, very helpful with advice, and very good value for money (we've since had the ring valued for insurance and it was worth quite a lot more than he paid!). From a personal point of view, I love that he chose it himself and I've had a lot of compliments on how pretty it is

Whatever you decide to do, congratulations, good luck and best wishes for your future together :beer:

rebeccatom

I personally find the high street big name jewellers poor quaility and massively over priced.
I got my ring from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. Looked through the different designs, picked the bits I liked, then picked the stone and they made it for me. makes it even more special. I wanted to pick my own ring as I know what i like and will be wearing it for a very long time!
There is also Hatton Gardens (i think) in London.
If you are no where near either of them, then i would go to a few local independant jewellers. Lots of them will make rings up for you and can be more flexible than the big shops.
Always ask: Is that your best price?

andygb

I bought the OH's engagement and wedding rings from Hatton Garden (when I was working up in town), and she was more than happy with them.

ViolaLass

Just to throw another thought in there: when we got engaged, I told my OH that I didn't want him to spend lots of money on a ring that I would only wear for a few months (I don't wear it with my wedding ring because I'm no longer engaged, I'm married).

He got a family one from his mother, we spent £20 having it cleaned and resized. Sorted.

Not saying buying an engagement ring is wrong but not every woman requires one. Are you sure your girlfriend does?